It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Elvina Francis Slaymaker (nee Reed) of Red Deer, Alberta, at the Red Deer Hospice on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the age of 97 years. Elvina was born on January 28, 1924 in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. She was raised in Rocky and Nordegg. Elvina met Dick Slaymaker in 1941, outside a dance at the Codner Hall. They dated for three years and were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1944; and were married May 17, 1944, in the old Presbyterian Church, in Rocky Mountain House. They lived in a little log cabin down by the Atlas Mill for a while, and then moved into their own house in 1947 that was built by Elvina’s Dad, Joe Reed. In March 1947, their first son, John was born. In October 1950, they had their second son, Ron. In 1951, the family moved to Red Deer and in 1961, their third son, Trevor was born. The Slaymaker’s settled in the old house down on 43rd Avenue; where they began to raise their family. That house was a central gathering place for any family members, or close friends, travelling through. Mom often said she can’t figure out where everyone slept in such a small house, but also said they had a lot of fun back then. Mom worked for a small photography studio called Foto Arts Studio, for a couple years and then in 1961, Mom started working at the newly opened Bay Store; where she worked for twenty-five years. Many will remember her smile, and service, in the Men’s Wear Department. Music always played a huge role for mom and dad. Mom joined the “Sweet Adelines” in 1961. She sang with them for two years, and then started with the Waska-Sues, and she loved it. Elvina spent the next twelve years enjoying singing and meeting new people that turned into life-long friendships. Camping with friends and family was always important to her. Dad with his banjo and Mom singing around the fire, or in the old camp kitchens, always bring back great memories. In 1973, she started singing with a newly formed singing group called the “Waska-Billies”. The Tuesday night practices with the girls were never missed. They were together for thirty-two years and entertained in Central Alberta with songs and skits at Lodges, Hospitals, Anniversaries and special events. She had a lot of fun and formed many lifelong friends from these years. Mom continued her singing with the “Tony Connelly Singers”. New friends and new songs but still performing. Mom’s calendar was always full, marked with sing outs, crib tourneys and Legion Meetings; she also did a lot of volunteering. Mom made friends easily and her many friends new and old played a significant role, and were an important part of her life. Elvina will be lovingly remembered by her sons, John, Ron and Trevor (Cheryl); her grandchildren, Mitch (Lacey and her children, Jimmy, Wyatt and Andrew), Reed (Audra), Rylie (Christine), Parker, Hayden and Kenzie; and her great grandchildren, Payton, Taylor, Birkley, Charlee and Reese. She will also be sadly missed by numerous family members and dear friends. The family would like to extend a “Thank You” to the Staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and to the Red Deer Hospice for making Mom’s last days comfortable; a “Special Thank You” to her friends new and old and the Staff at Parkvale Lodge; and an “Extra Special Thank You” to her network of girlfriends, for keeping Mom’s calendar full. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Elvina’s honor may be made directly to the MS Society at www.mssociety.com or to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at www.rdrhfoundation.com. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2021-03-10
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com - Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville